Compton High School’s boys’ basketball team paid tribute to DeMar DeRozan by wearing the same number he wore when he played for his alma mater, Thursday, February 12, before his varsity jersey was retired. (Courtesy photo)
Compton Unified School District’s (CUSD) Compton High School honored one of its own, Thursday, February 12, when it retired the number 23 varsity jersey of the Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan, who attended the final game of the season for his alma mater’s basketball team, was also presented with framed home and away varsity jerseys during half-time. He played for Compton High’s team between 2004 and 2008, and played a role in two championship-winning seasons.
Attendees included family, school staff, administrators, former Compton High teammates, as well as fellow Compton graduate Datone Jones of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and Ed Davis of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers.
DeRozan, who works out at his alma mater during the off season and contributes to its basketball program, said his school was instrumental in his success. “This school and this city made me who I am…the teachers here kept me on the right track, kept me positive, and kept me pushing on both sides; education and basketball,” he said. “I try to keep up with all the kids here. I try to be a positive role model for them.”
The Toronto Raptors star added that coming back years later to have his school honor him is something he’ll never forget. “With the success I’ve had in my life, to come back here and get this recognition from my high school, that’s really love.”
Coach Tony Thomas (left) presents Compton High alum and Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan with a framed varsity jersey, Thursday, February 12. (Courtesy photo)
Principal Stephen Glass said DeRozan’s presence is always inspiring for his students. “It’s always special to have former students who have done well in their careers return and give back to their community. We’re happy to have DeMar back home and it’s an honor to give him the accolades that he deserves,” he said.
Compton High 12th-grader and varsity girls’ basketball player Erykah Harris said she is one of many at her school who look up to DeRozan. “It’s inspiring to know he comes from Compton. He’s proof that we can be more than the stereotypes people have about people from this city. Because of people like him, we know that we can be somebody,” she said.
Basketball coach Tony Thomas, who was also DeMar’s math teacher, said he was a dedicated student and athlete. “He was a good student who came to school every day, worked really hard and ended up playing basketball for USC,” he said. Thomas added that as DeRozan’s teacher and coach he wanted him to know the importance of his education. “I told him to look at the big picture…that he needed to take care of things in order to make it. He did it.”
